Minnie Rojas Dies at 63

Former Angel reliever Minervino “Minnie” Rojas, whose 27 saves in 1967 led the American League and set a franchise record that stood for 18 years, has died of complications of pneumonia. He was 63.

Rojas, a Cuban, pitched for the Angels from 1966 to ‘68, saving 43 games. His career ended when he was paralyzed in an automobile accident after the 1968 season. The accident killed his two daughters, but his wife and son survived.

Rojas’ 43 saves rank seventh on the franchise list. His 1967 total of 27 saves was not exceeded until Donnie Moore saved 31 games in 1985.